Extra Curriculars VS Academics

Applying to College
1

<p>Hey CC, this is my first post so here it goes!</p>

<p>I am a soon to be junior, C/O 2015, and I have always wanted to go to a prestigious school, an Ivy League, UCLA or UC Berkley etc. Now I am pretty set on this goal so don't try to change my mind, rather my question is about balancing extra curricular activities and academics. I am a straight A student, and I take the most rigorous scheduel possible, for my Junior year I am taking 4 APS and self studying 1 or 2 APS. I plan on taking the SAT and I want to do exeptionaly well on it, near perfect is my goal. I also want to do science fair, science olympiad, mock trial, more volunteer work, and more fortification of my college application. But to anyone that knows me and knows what I do, that sounds impossible, literally impossible like flying pigs and what not. You see I am a member of my high school band, which is just about the most time consuming thing to do on campus. Most of the summer is used up for band camp and up until about January, the only free days we have are Sundays. The rest of the year is not as hectic but is still quite demanding. Now it would be unfair to say I hate band, I don't. I'm actually pretty good at my instrument, I play clarinet and I have been told I am the best in the section. But I hate the time constraints it puts on me. I know that if I want to have a chance at going to one of the above listed schools I not only have to have stellar academics but be involved and stand out. They say to have leadership positions but in order to be section leader or anything like that in my band, you would have to give up more time than already necessary, which is a lot, btw. My sophomore year was pretty hard even though I only took 2 AP classes and the rest honors. So considering the things I want to do my Junior year, it seems like the only time off I get would be on the toilet, while I read my APUSH textbook. I know Junior year is suppose to be hard but it seems like I would be setting up my self for failure if I was in band and pursued my academic endeavors. And band isn't my only extra curricular activity, I am in 3 clubs and Secretary of 2.</p>

<p>So my question to you all is, Should I stay in band, take up a leadership postion, and just not do so much academically, or should I quit band and pursue my academic interests and other extra curricular activities?</p>

<p>The main reason I want to stay in band is the people. Most if not all of my close friends are in band, and besides all the cons of being in band, and there are a lot, I genuinely love performing and playing music and doing so with my friends. But should I jeopardize my chances into being admitted into one of my dreams school for two more years of fun?</p>

<p>Thank you so much for continuing to read this, I'm sorry its so long, but this is a really important matter to me, and I dont want to leave anything out! Thank you again!</p>

2

<p>To quit band would mean giving up something you love doing so you can do a bunch of things that will “fortify” your application, so you could have a slightly higher chance of going to some of the most selective colleges in the country, with no guarantee that you’ll get in. Colleges like to see stronger commitment/few ECs versus shallow committment/many ECs. They won’t judge you for not self-studying courses. I think you would regret leaving the band more (especially if you don’t get into these schools). Still, only you can gauge how much you want to pursue those other areas for the sake of the experience, not because you think you have to.</p>

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<p>By “not do so much academically” what do you mean? If it means something other than getting all or mostly A grades in a rigorous high school course selection, then you need to remember that academics generally comes first when it comes to college admission. Extracurriculars become more important at the most selective schools to differentiate between those numerous applicants who have top-shelf academic credentials – but you need top-shelf academic credentials to get to the point of being a serious applicant at the most selective schools.</p>

4

<p>OMG, I am a class of 2015 too! I agree with those who think u should stay in band, but participate in other ECs as well, Good Luck:) Hey, can u help me on somthing as well?I don’t kknow if my Ecs will be satisfactory:( Do I need a sport?</p>

<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-admissions/1518692-help-those-ecs-enough-get-harvard-other-ivy-leagues.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-admissions/1518692-help-those-ecs-enough-get-harvard-other-ivy-leagues.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

5

<p>Stick with band! I am graduate of a LAC that I attended on scholarship. From there I went to a foutune 50 where I worked with many from the schools you list. Yes they were smart and accomplished but so was I. Those that accomplished the most had hobbies they enjoyed and great stories to tell of fun in high school and college. The others burnt themselves out. Life is a marathon not a sprint. Enjoy the journey as much as the destination.</p>